KR101845213B1 - System and method to increase the overall diameter of veins - Google Patents

Abstract

According to the present invention, a system 10 and method for continuously increasing the lumen diameter and total diameter of the vein 30 by increasing the blood flow velocity and wall shear stress (WSS) in the peripheral vein 30 for a sufficient amount of time 100) is provided. The method 100 comprises pumping blood at a desired rate and pulse rate. The pumping step is monitored and adjusted as needed to maintain the desired blood flow velocity, wall shear stress and pulsation within the peripheral vein 30 to optimize the magnitude and rate at which the peripheral vein 30 expands.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention relates to a method and system for increasing the total diameter of a vein,

The present invention relates to systems and methods for continuously increasing the lumenal diameter and overall diameter of a vein in a patient. Specifically, the present invention relates to systems and methods for continuously increasing the lumenal diameter and overall diameter of a vein using a blood pump to increase blood flow velocity and wall shear stress (WSS) on the endothelium of a peripheral vein over a period of time .

Many patients with chronic renal disease eventually progress to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and are treated with renal replacement therapy to prolong the patient's life and remove unwanted byproducts and fluids from the body. therapy needs to be performed. Most patients with ESRD requiring renal replacement therapy accept hemodialysis. During hemodialysis, blood is removed from the circulatory system and dialyzed in the hemodialysis machine, and then returned to the circulatory system. The surgeons create a discontinuous "vascular access site" that can be used to quickly remove blood from ESRD patients and return quickly. Although the hemodialysis machine and its different parts of the hemodialysis process have been significantly improved, a method of creating a durable and stable vascular access site where blood can be removed from patients and returned to the patients during hemodialysis time Is only slightly improved and remains an Achilles heel of a new alternative therapy. As a result, the disease of ESRD patients often worsens and is dead, resulting in a great burden on healthcare, people, and public support programs worldwide.

Hemodialysis access sites generally consist of three forms: arteriovenous fistulas (AVF), arteriovenous grafts (AVG), and catheters. Each of these hemodialysis access site types has a high likelihood of occurrence and failure of complications, as described below.

AVF is formed by direct connection between the artery and vein by surgery. Functional wrist AVF is the longest and most desirable form of hemodialysis access with a mean patency of about 3 years. Veins moving away from this connection are referred to as "outflow veins ". Discharge flow The dilation of the vein is a key element of the AVF to be "mature" and usable. Exhaust flow produced by AVF The rapid flow of blood in the veins and the wall shear stress (WSS) applied to the endothelium of the vein by the blood have been widely known as the main factors driving the vein expansion. Unfortunately, however, due to the generally inadequate venous diameter, nearly 80% of patients are not well suited to place the AVF on the wrist. In patients suitable for attempting an AVF arrangement, the site can not be used without additional intervention at about 50% -60% of cases, a problem known as "maturation failure ". Small vessel diameter, especially small vein diameter, has been recognized as an important factor in AVF failure. In addition, the rapid appearance of aggressive venous wall scarring known as "intimal hyperplasia " has also been recognized as an important factor in failure of AVF maturation. In general, turbulence produced by the rapid flow of blood flow from the artery into the vein is also recognized as a major contributor to this vein wall scar. According to some investigators, the cyclic stretching of the vein caused by the introduction of pulsatile arterial blood is the obstruction of the drainage vein in the AVF and the stimulation of endothelial proliferation It is assumed that it may play an important role. In this way, rapid flow is problematic and efforts have been made to reduce flow at the hemodialysis access site by limiting the lumen diameter by banding to minimize failure rates. Currently, there is no way to have a positive effect of flow-mediated expansion while eliminating the negative effects of flow obstruction and vein wall scarring. It is not surprising that in patients newly diagnosed with ESRD and needing hemodialysis, there is only a 50% chance of having functional AVF within 6 months of starting hemodialysis. These patients without functional AVF are inevitably forced to dial in with a very expensive form of vascular access, and are more likely to die due to complications and worsening.

The second type of vascular access for hemodialysis is known as arteriovenous graft (AVG). AVG is constructed by placing a portion of a synthetic conduit between the arteries and veins, usually on the arms or legs. A portion of the tube is located beneath the skin and is used for needle access. AVG is appropriate for many patients because invisible veins on the skin surface can be used for outflow purposes and the initial failure rate is much lower than for AVF. Unfortunately, the AVG average primary patency is only due to aggressive intimal proliferation and scarring within the vein wall near the site of most synthetic tubing resulting in stenosis and thrombosis It is about 4-6 months. Similar to the AVF failure situation, the fast and turbulent flow of blood produced by AVG is believed to result in endothelial proliferation and scarring in the walls of the draining veins, and thus AVG occlusion occasionally. In addition, according to some investigators, cyclic stretching of the vein caused by the introduction of pulsatile arterial blood also causes obstruction of the drainage vein in AVG and formation of endothelial proliferation, It may also play an important role in Although AVG is less desirable than AVF, about 25% of patients dialysis into AVG, many of whom are not suitable for receiving AVF.

Patients who can not receive hemodialysis via AVF or AVG should have a large catheter inserted into the neck, chest, or leg to accommodate hemodialysis. These catheters are often infected and are highly likely to cause death due to sepsis in patients. Patients infected with a catheter generally need to be hospitalized to remove the catheter, insert a temporary catheter, treat it with IV antibiotics, and insert a new catheter at another type of access site when the infection is cleared have. The catheter may be occluded by thrombus and fibrin build-up around the tip. Hemodialysis catheters have a mean patency of approximately 6 months and are generally the least desirable form of hemodialysis access. Although catheters are less desirable than AVFs and AVGs, about 20% of patients dialysis with catheters, many of which can not accommodate functional AVFs or AVGs, or which are not suitable for accommodating AVFs or AVGs Because they are patients.

The problem of hemodialysis access site failure has received more attention in recent years as the number of ESRD patients undergoing routine hemodialysis increases worldwide. In 2004, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) increased the frequency of use of AVF to provide hemodialysis access to patients with end-stage renal failure The "Fistula First" initiative. The main scheme is based on open Medicare data showing that patients dialyzed with AVF have reduced morbidity and mortality as compared to patients dialyzed using AVG or catheters. The cost of dialysis patients using AVG is substantially less than the cost of dialysis patients using AVG in the first and subsequent years of dialysis. The cost savings associated with dialysis using AVF are even greater when compared to dialysis using a catheter.

To be eligible to receive an AVF or AVG, patients should have a peripheral vein with an endodontic diameter of 2.5 mm or greater, respectively. However, at present, there is no method to consistently increase the luminal diameter and the total diameter of the distal vein in ESRD patients who are not suitable for AVF or AVG due to inadequate vein size. Thus, patients with veins too small to attempt AVF or AVG are forced to use a less desirable form of vascular access, e.g., a catheter. Similarly, at present, there is no method for treating AVF maturation failures that fall disproportionately to patients with small vein diameters. Thus, there is a need for systems and methods to extend the lumenal diameter and overall diameter of the vein prior to generating the AVF or AVG. This need is the result of less favorable forms of vascular access, for example, ESRD patients who are forced to use a catheter are more likely to have a worse or even worse mortality than patients who were able to use AVF or AVG for hemodialysis Significance was highlighted by recent studies showing.

In addition, other patients, such as peripheral bypass grafting, may need to be performed and peripheral artery may need to continually increase vein diameter for patients with atherosclerotic blockage . Patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) whose blood flow is obstructed in the arteries of the legs are often suffering from claudication, skin ulceration, and tissue ischemia Eventually, most of these patients need to cut off infected limb parts. Among some of these patients, obstruction can be relieved to an appropriate level by grafting a vascular stent or by balloon angioplasty. However, in many patients, obstruction is too severe to perform this type of minimally invasive therapy. Thus, the surgeon will often create a bypass graft that diverts blood around the occlusion artery to restore blood flow to the appropriate extremities. However, many patients who need to use a peripheral bypass graft can not use the patient's own vein, such as a bypass conduit due to improper vein diameter, and can use polytetrafluoroethylene (e.g., PTFE, e.g., Synthetic conduits made of materials such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), for example, Dacron, are inevitably used. Studies have shown that using the patient's own vein as a woofer has better and longer patency than using a synthetic woofer made of materials such as PTFE or dexlone. The use of a synthetic bowel tube increases the risk of thrombosis of the entire tube and arterial stenosis at the distal end of the graft, resulting in failure of the bypass graft and recurrence of the signs. Thus, in particular, patients and patients who are unsuitable for using the patient's own vein for the creation of bypass grafts due to inadequate vein diameter require systems and methods to increase the lumenal diameter and overall diameter of the vein prior to the creation of the bypass graft do.

In view of this, there is a need in the art for a system and method for continuously increasing the total diameter and luminal diameter of the distal vein so that the distal veins can be used to create bypass grafts and hemodialysis access sites It will be obvious that The present invention describes this need as well as other needs in the prior art, and these needs will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the teachings herein.

The present invention includes methods of using a blood pump to increase the lumen diameter and overall diameter of the peripheral vein. Systems and methods in which the peripheral vein is dilated thereby increasing the wall shear stress (WSS) applied to the endothelium of the peripheral vein by placing the blood pump upstream of the peripheral vein for a sufficient period of time Are described. The pump preferably directs the blood through the distal vein so that the blood is reduced relative to the pulse pressure of the blood in the peripheral artery.

Studies have shown that hemodynamic forces and changes in hemodynamic forces in the veins play a very important role in determining the lumen diameter and overall diameter of these veins. For example, if the WSS and the blood flow velocity are continuously increased, the vein can be expanded. The magnitude of such a vein expansion depends on both the blood flow rate, the time of the increase of the WSS, the increased blood flow velocity and the level of the WSS do. Increased blood flow velocity and WSS are sensed by endothelial cells and cause a signaling mechanism whereby vascular smooth muscle cells are stimulated and macrophages The monocyte contracts and the protease, which can degrade the components of the extracellular matrix, such as elastin and collagen, is synthesized and released. In this way, the present invention relates to a system and method in which the WSS and blood flow velocity are increased for a sufficient time period, preferably greater than 7 days, so that the vein is remodeled and expanded accordingly. The present invention also relates to methods for periodically adjusting pump parameters to optimize intravenous remodeling and expansion.

Wall shear stress was found to be a major factor in expanding blood vessels in response to increased blood flow.

Assuming Hagen-Poiseuille blood flow (ie laminar flow with fully grown parabolic velocity profile) in the vessel, the WSS can be determined using the following equation:

WSS (?) = 4Q? /? R ³

Where Q = volumetric flow rate [mL / s];

μ = blood viscosity [poise];

R = blood vessel radius [cm];

τ = wall shear stress [dyne / cm ² ]

The systems and methods described herein increase the level of WSS in the peripheral vein. The normal WSS for the vein ranges between 0.076 Pa and 0.76 Pa. The systems and methods described herein increase the WSS level to a range between about 0.76 Pa and 23 Pa, preferably between 2.5 and 7.5 Pa. The WSS is increased for 7 days to 84 days, or preferably 7 days to 42 days, and is used for a bypass graft or hemodialysis access site due to small venous diameter, Lt; / RTI > This can also be implemented by intermittently increasing the WSS during the treatment period while adjusting the period of the normal WSS.

In addition, the systems and methods described herein increase the peripheral vein and, in certain cases, the rate of blood flow in the peripheral artery. At rest, the average blood flow velocity within the human cephalic vein is typically 5-9 cm / s, and the blood flow velocity within the brachial artery is typically 10-15 cm / s. For the systems and methods described herein, the mean blood flow rate in the peripheral veins is 15 cm / s-100 cm / s, depending on the length of time the blood is pumped into the planned receiving peripheral vein and the diameter of the receiving peripheral vein , Preferably in the range between 25 cm / s and 100 cm / s. The mean blood flow rate is increased from 7 days to 84 days, or preferably from 7 days to 42 days, so that small venous diameters can be used to initially use an inadequate vein for use as a bypass graft or hemodialysis access site It is preferable that sustained expansion is induced in the peripheral vein. This can also be achieved by intervening the normal mean blood flow rate and intermittently increasing the mean blood flow rate during the treatment period.

Methods for increasing the total diameter and lumen diameter of a peripheral vein in a patient are now described. The method includes performing a first procedure approaching an artery or vein (donor blood vessel) and a peripheral vein (receiving vein) and connecting the donor vessel to the receiving vein using a pump system . The pump system is then activated to artificially guide the blood from the donor vessel to the recipient vein. The method also includes monitoring the blood pumping process for a period of time. The method further comprises regulating the speed of the pump, the pumping blood flow rate, or the WSS applied to the endothelium of the receiving vein, and monitoring the pumping process again. After a certain time period has elapsed, the vein is dilated and then measured to determine if the lumen diameter and overall diameter of the receiving vein are steadily increasing appropriately and, if necessary, the pumping process is adjusted again. Once the lumen diameter and total diameter of the reservoir vein are continuously increased to an appropriate size, a second surgery is performed to remove the pump. At this time, or later, a hemodialysis access site (e.g., AVF or AVG) or a bypass graft can be created using more than a portion of the continuously expanded recipient vein.

In one embodiment, a surgical procedure is performed to expose the two vein sections. One end of the first composite tube is fluidically connected to the vein (donor vein) from which blood should be removed (i.e., the lumen and lumen are coupled to allow fluid communication therebetween). The other end of the first synthesis tube is fluidly connected to the inflow port of the pump. One end of the second synthetic tube is fluidly connected to a vein (reservoir vein) through which blood should be guided. The other end of the second synthesis tube is fluidly connected to an outflow port of the pump. Deoxygenated blood is pumped from the donor vein into the recipient vein until the vein continues to expand to the desired total diameter and lumen diameter. As used herein, the term " persistently dilated "is used to mean that the lumen diameter or overall diameter of the blood vessel is still increased, even when the pump is stopped, relative to the vein diameter before the blood pumping cycle . This means that the blood vessels become larger regardless of the pressure generated by the pump. Once the vein has been continuously expanded to the desired size, a second surgical procedure is performed to remove the tube and pump. At this time, or later, a hemodialysis access site (e.g., AVF or AVG) or a bypass graft can be created using more than a portion of the continuously expanded recipient vein. In this embodiment, the pump port can be fluidically connected directly to the receiving vein or donor vein without the use of a synthetic tube inserted therebetween. In one variation of this embodiment, the receiving vein can be located in one position of the body, e.g., in the flank vein in the arm, and the donor vein can be positioned in another location, e.g., in the femoral vein in the leg . In this case, the two ends of the pump-conduit assembly will be located within the body and the bridging portion of the pump-tube assembly can be arranged outside the body (or outside the body, For example, may be worn under the garment) or arranged in the body (which may be inside the body, for example, tunneled under the skin). In addition, in certain instances, donor blood vessels may be arranged in a more distal position relative to the recipient vein relative to the body position.

In another embodiment, a method includes a surgical procedure performed to expose a portion of the peripheral vein and a portion of the peripheral artery. One end of the first synthesis tube is fluidly connected to the peripheral artery. The other end of the second synthesis tube is fluidly connected to the inlet flow port of the pump. One end of the second synthetic tube is fluidly connected to the distal vein. The other end of the second synthesis tube is fluidly connected to the discharge flow port of the pump. A step of pumping oxygenated blood from the peripheral artery into the distal vein is performed until the vein is continuously expanded to the desired total diameter and luminal diameter. Once the vein has been continuously expanded to the desired size, a second surgical procedure is performed to remove the tube and pump. At this time, or later, a hemodialysis access site (e.g., AVF or AVG) or a bypass graft can be created using more than a portion of the continuously expanded recipient vein. According to a variant of the embodiment provided, the pump port can be fluidly connected directly to the artery or vein without the use of a synthetic tube inserted therebetween.

In another embodiment, a pair of specific catheters is inserted into the venous system. A first end of the catheter is associated with an inlet flow port of the pump (hereinafter referred to as an "inflow catheter") and a first end of another catheter is associated with a discharge flow port of the pump , "Outflow catheter"). Alternatively, the two catheters may be joined together using, for example, a double lumen catheter. These catheters are configured to be inserted into the lumen of the venous system. After inserting the catheter, the tip of the second end of the inflow flow catheter may be positioned at any location within the venous system (e.g., the right atrium, the superior vein, the subclavian catheter, etc.) into which a sufficient amount of blood may enter the inflow flow catheter Vein, or pea vein). After insertion of the catheter, the end of the second end of the exit flow catheter is positioned within a portion of the peripheral vein (celiac vein) in the venous system (e.g., the celiac vein) through which blood can be delivered by the exit flow catheter do. The pump then draws the deoxygenated blood from the donor vein into the lumen of the inflow flow catheter and drains it from the draining flow catheter into the lumen of the receiving vein. In this embodiment, the effluent flow catheter and a portion of the inflow flow catheter and the pump remain external to the patient. The pump is operated until the lumen diameter and total diameter continue to expand to the desired size within the receiving vein, after which the pump and catheter are removed. At this time, or later, a hemodialysis access site (e.g., AVF or AVG) or a bypass graft can be created using more than a portion of the continuously expanded recipient vein.

There is provided a system for increasing intravenous blood flow velocity and WSS by delivering deoxygenated blood from a donor vein to a recipient vein within a patient, the system comprising two compounds each having two ends, a blood pump, a control unit, And a power supply. The system may also include one or more sensor units. In one embodiment of this system, a synthetic tube and pump, collectively known as a "pump-tube assembly ", is configured to pump deoxygenated blood from the donor vein or right atrium and pump it into the receiving vein. The pump-tube assembly is configured to pump deoxygenated blood. In another embodiment of the system, the pump-tube assembly is configured to pump oxygenated blood from the peripheral artery and pump the blood into the peripheral vein. Blood is pumped to increase arterial and venous blood flow rates and to increase the WSS applied to arterial and venous endothelium for a sufficient period of time, resulting in a steady increase in luminal diameter and total diameter of veins and peripheral arteries. It is preferred that the blood pumped into the distal vein has a lower pulsation, for example, a lower pulsation than the blood in the peripheral artery. According to one variant of the embodiment provided, it is fluidly connected directly to the artery or vein (or both) without the use of a synthetic tube inserted therebetween. The pump includes an inlet and an outlet and the pump delivers deoxygenated blood or oxygenated blood to the distal vein to increase the velocity of the WSS and vein in the vein, The total diameter is continuously increased. The blood pump may be implanted in a patient, or may be kept external to the patient, or may have implanted external portions. All synthetic tubes or some synthetic tubes can be implanted in a patient and can be implanted transdermally or transplanted into the lumen of the venous system, or any combination thereof. The implanted portions of the pump-tube assembly can be monitored and periodically adjusted, for example, every seven days.

The invention includes increasing WSS applied to the endothelium of a peripheral vein of a human patient in need of a bypass graft or hemodialysis access site and increasing blood flow velocity in the peripheral vein. To this end, devices designed to assist arterial blood flow to treat heart failure would be useful. Specifically, a ventricular assist device (VAD) optimized for low blood flow can pump blood from the donor vessel to the distal vein and is induced to continually increase the lumen diameter and total diameter of the distal vein. In various embodiments, a small VAD or a pediatric VAD designed to treat moderate heart failure in an adult (such as, for example, a Synergy pump from Circulite) may be used. Other devices including RVAD or LVAD optimized for low blood flow can also be used.

The method includes fluidly connecting a low-flow VAD, a derivative thereof, or similar type of device to a donor vessel, introducing blood from the donor vessel, During the cycle, the blood is pumped into the recipient vein to continuously increase the luminal diameter and total diameter of the peripheral vein to the desired size. The blood pump can be implanted in the patient or can be kept on the outside of the patient. When the pump is outside the patient, the blood pump may be affixed to the patient for continuous pumping. Alternatively, the pump may be configured to be desorbed from the donor and recipient blood vessels of the patient during periodic pumping times and / or intermittent pumping times.

While the blood is being pumped into the vein, the luminal diameter of the receiving peripheral vein can be monitored using conventional methods, such as visualization methods using ultrasonic or diagnostic angiography. Pump-tube assemblies or pump-catheter assemblies may have features that facilitate diagnostic angiography, such as, for example, radiopaque markers, which inject contrast media into the assembly, Identify accessible sites using a needle to allow it to flow into the peripheral vein and enable it to be labeled during fluoroscopic procedures using both conventional and digital subtraction angiography.

When a portion of the pump-catheter assembly or pump-tube assembly is positioned external to the body, an antimicrobial coating or cuff may be implanted and attached to a portion of the device connecting the external components. For example, when the strapped strapped to the controller and / or the power supply, attached to a belt, or contained in a bag or backpack, the antimicrobial coating is applied to the infusion point at which the device is inserted into the patient's body and / Is placed on or around a connection.

These and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which sets forth preferred embodiments of the invention with reference to the attached drawings.

Reference is now made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1A is a schematic illustration of a pump-tube assembly of a method and system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG.
1B is a schematic view of the pump-tube assembly of FIG. 1A as applied to a circulatory system of a patient according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 1C is an enlarged view of a portion of Fig. 1B.
2A is a schematic illustration of a pump-and-tube assembly of a method and system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2b is a schematic view of the pump-tube assembly of Figure 2a as applied to a circulatory system of a patient according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2C is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 2B. FIG.
Figure 3 is a schematic view of a pump-tube assembly of a method and system according to a third embodiment of the invention as applied to the circulatory system of the patient.
4A is a schematic illustration of a pump-catheter assembly of a method and system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4b is a schematic view of the pump-catheter assembly of Figure 4a as applied to a circulatory system of a patient according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
5A is a schematic view of a pump-tube assembly of a method and system according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5b is a schematic view of the pump-tube assembly of Figure 5a as applied to a circulatory system of a patient according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
6 is a diagram schematically illustrating a pump operated in conjunction with a control unit for use in any one of the embodiments discussed above.
7 is a flowchart showing a method according to the first embodiment and the third embodiment of the present invention.
8 is a flowchart showing a method according to the second embodiment and the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
9 is a flow chart showing a method according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of the embodiments of the invention is provided to illustrate but not to limit the invention as defined by the appended claims and the equivalents of the claims Will be self-evident.

Referring first to Figs. 1-4, a system 10 for increasing the overall diameter of a vein, such as used in a patient 20, is illustrated. The system 10 removes deoxygenated venous blood and redirects the venous blood back into the accepting peripheral vein 30. The system 10 may also be configured to increase the rate of blood flow within the receiving peripheral vein 30 and to increase the rate of blood flow within the receiving peripheral vein 30 to increase the diameter of the receiving peripheral vein 30 located, for example, The wall shear stress (WSS) applied to the endothelium of the peripheral vein 30 is increased. The diameter of the blood vessel, such as venous blood, can be determined by measuring the diameter of the lumen, the open space at the center of the blood-flowing blood vessel. For purposes of this patent application, the measurement is referred to as measuring the "lumen diameter ". The diameter of the blood vessel can be determined by measuring the diameter in such a way as to include the wall of the blood vessel. For purposes of this patent application, this measurement is referred to as measuring the "overall diameter ". The present invention simultaneously and constantly increases the lumen diameter and total diameter of the peripheral vein by guiding the blood (preferably blood with low pulsation) into the peripheral vein, thereby increasing the blood flow velocity in the peripheral vein, RTI ID = 0.0 > WSS < / RTI > on the endothelium. In systems and methods according to the present invention, the rate of blood flow in the WSS and peripheral veins on the endothelium of the peripheral vein is increased using a pump. It is preferred that the pump direct blood into the peripheral vein where when the pumped blood has reduced pulsation, for example, the pulse pressure is lower than the blood in the peripheral artery.

The systems and methods described herein increase the level of WSS in the peripheral vein. The normal WSS for the vein is in the range between 0.076 Pa and 0.76 Pa. The systems and methods described herein are configured to increase the WSS level in the receiving peripheral vein to a range between about 0.76 Pa and 23 Pa, preferably between 2.5 and 7.5 Pa. A sustained WSS level of less than 0.76 Pa can expand the vein but only at a relatively slow rate. The WSS level maintained above 23 Pa causes denudation of the endothelium of the vein, which is known as retard dilation of the vein in response to increased blood flow velocity and WSS. The pumped blood to increase the WSS to the desired range for a time period of preferably at least 7 days, more preferably between about 14 and 84 days, may be caused by bypass graft or hemodialysis access site for example, a constant amount of persistent dilation in the recipient peripheral vein, so that an incompatible vein can be used initially for use as a hemodialysis access site. The blood pumping process (blood pump ing process) can be periodically controlled and monitored. For example, the pump can be adjusted every 7 days to account for changes in the peripheral vein before achieving the desired sustained expansion.

In addition, the systems and methods described herein increase the peripheral vein and, in certain cases, the rate of blood flow in the peripheral artery. At rest, the mean blood flow velocity within the human cephalic vein is generally 5-9 cm / s, and the blood flow velocity within the brachial artery is generally 10-15 cm / s. For the systems and methods described herein, the mean blood flow rate in the peripheral veins is 15 cm / s-100 cm / s, depending on the length of time the blood is pumped into the planned receiving peripheral vein and the diameter of the receiving peripheral vein , Preferably in the range between 25 cm / s and 100 cm / s. The mean blood flow rate is increased for 7 days to 84 days, or preferably for 7 days to 42 days, and the venous diameter, which is initially inadequate for use as a bypass graft or hemodialysis access site due to small vein diameter, It is desirable that persistent dilation be induced in the receiving peripheral vein such that it can be used. This can also be achieved by intervening the normal mean blood flow rate and intermittently increasing the mean blood flow rate during the treatment period.

Studies have shown that hemodynamic forces and changes in hemodynamic forces in the veins play a very important role in determining the lumen diameter and overall diameter of these veins. For example, if the WSS and blood flow velocity are constantly increased, the vein can be expanded. Increased blood flow velocity and WSS are sensed by endothelial cells and cause a signaling mechanism whereby vascular smooth muscle cells are stimulated and macrophages The monocyte contracts and the protease, which can degrade the components of the extracellular matrix, such as elastin and collagen, is synthesized and released. In this way, the present invention relates to a system and method in which the WSS and blood flow velocity are increased for a sufficient period of time such that the vein is remodeled and expanded.

Assuming Hagen-Poiseuille blood flow (ie laminar flow with fully grown parabolic velocity profile) in the vessel, the WSS can be determined using the following equation:

WSS (?) = 4Q? /? R ³

Where Q = volumetric flow rate [mL / s];

μ = blood viscosity [poise];

R = blood vessel radius [cm];

τ = wall shear stress [dyne / cm ² ]

The systems and methods described herein increase the level of WSS in the peripheral vein. The normal WSS for the vein ranges between 0.076 Pa and 0.76 Pa. The systems and methods described herein increase the WSS level to a range between about 0.76 Pa and 23 Pa, preferably between 2.5 and 7.5 Pa. The WSS is increased for 7 days to 84 days, or preferably 7 days to 42 days, and is used for a bypass graft or hemodialysis access site due to small venous diameter, Lt; / RTI > This can also be achieved by intermittently increasing the WSS during the treatment period, adjusting the cycle of the normal WSS.

A WSS level in the distal phalanx of less than 0.76 Pa may expand the vein but only at a relatively slow rate. A WSS level in the peripheral vein of more than about 23 Pa will cause the endothelium of the vein to be denuded (lost). This is known as retard dilation of intravenous endothelium with respect to increased blood flow velocity and WSS. The increased WSS includes sufficient sustained expansion in the vein such that in the early days, veins that are not suitable for use as a bypass graft or hemodialysis access site due to the small diameter can be used. The diameter of the receiving peripheral vein may be determined intermittently, for example, every 7-14 days, thereby allowing the pump speed to be adjusted to optimize vein expansion during the treatment period.

In addition, the systems and methods described herein increase the peripheral vein and, in certain cases, the rate of blood flow in the peripheral artery. At rest, the average blood flow velocity in the umbilical vein of a person is generally 5-9 cm / s, and the blood flow velocity in the brachial artery is generally 10-15 cm / s. For the systems and methods described herein, the mean blood flow rate in the peripheral veins is 15 cm / s-100 cm / s, depending on the length of time the blood is pumped into the planned receiving peripheral vein and the diameter of the receiving peripheral vein , Preferably in the range between 25 cm / s and 100 cm / s. The mean blood flow rate is increased from 7 days to 84 days, or preferably from 7 days to 42 days, so that small venous diameters can be used to initially use an inadequate vein for use as a bypass graft or hemodialysis access site It is preferable that sustained expansion is induced in the peripheral vein. This can also be achieved by intervening the normal mean blood flow rate and intermittently increasing the mean blood flow rate during the treatment period. The mean blood flow velocity level in the distal peripheral vein, which is slower than 15 cm / s, may expand the vein, but at a slower rate. Mean blood flow velocity levels in the distal peripheral vein faster than about 100 cm / s result in the endothelium of the vein being lost (lost). Reduced venous endothelium is known as retard dilation in an increased setting of blood flow velocity. Increased mean blood flow velocity causes sustained expansion in the vein such that an inadequate vein can be used initially for use as a bypass graft or hemodialysis access site due to small venous diameter. The diameter of the receiving peripheral vein may be determined intermittently, for example, every 7-14 days, thereby allowing the pump rate to be adjusted to optimize vein expansion during the treatment period.

1-3, the system 10 is shown to guide deoxygenated venous blood from the donating vein 29 of the venous system 22 of the patient 20 to the distal vein or the distal vein 30 And a pump-tube assembly (12). In various embodiments, the peripheral vein or peripheral vein 30 may include a cephalic vein, a radial vein, a median vein, an ulnar vein, an antecubital vein, The median cephalic vein, the median basilic vein, the basilic vein, the brachial vein, the lesser saphenous vein, the greater saphenous vein, vein, or femoral vein. Other veins that may be useful in creating a bypass graft or hemodialysis access site, or other veins that may be used for other vascular surgery applications that require the use of such veins may also be used. The pump-tube assembly 12 delivers deoxygenated venous blood to the peripheral vein or the receiving peripheral vein 30. The peripheral vein or the receiving peripheral vein 30 is enlarged over time due to the increased velocity of the blood and the raised WSS in the peripheral vein 30. Thus, the system 10 and method 100 of the present invention (see Figures 7-9) can be used to deliver arteriovenous fistulas (AVF) or arteriovenous grafts for example, for bypass grafts or hemodialysis access sites. it is desirable to increase the diameter of the peripheral vein or the receiving peripheral vein 30 so that it can be used to form grafts (AVG).

As used herein, deoxygenated venous blood is blood that passes through the capillary system and is pumped into the venous system 22 by oxygen being removed by surrounding tissues. As used herein, peripheral vein 30 refers to any vein that has a portion that is external to the chest, abdomen, or pelvis. In the embodiment shown in Figs. 1A and 2A, the peripheral vein or the receiving peripheral vein 30 is a cephalic vein. In other embodiments, however, the peripheral vein 30 may be a ganglia, a middle vein, a ulnar vein, a phrenic vein, a right critical vesicular vein, a median fascial vein, a chinchal vein, a lesser vein, a lesser saphenous vein ), A greater saphenous vein, or a femoral vein. In addition to the peripheral vein, other blood vessels that may be useful in creating a bypass graft or hemodialysis access site, or other vessels that may be used for other vascular surgery applications that require the use of such vessels, , Abdomen, and blood vessels present in the pelvis may also be used.

In order to reduce the pulsation and / or the provided low-pulsatile flow, a number of pulsatility dampening techniques may be used. According to one example, this technique may include tuning to adjust the head-flow characteristics of the blood pump, adding a compliance to pump outflow, , And / or modulating the pump speed (but not limited to this example).

AVF generated using the levator vein in the wrist is a preferred form of vascular access for hemodialysis, but the blood vessel often consists of an unsuitable diameter to facilitate the production of AVF at this location. Thus, the present invention is most advantageous in increasing the percentage of ESRD patients who receive wrist AVF in ESRD patients and hemodialysis using wrist AVF as a vascular access site.

The pump-tube assembly 12 includes the blood pump 14 and the synthesis tubes 16 and 18, i.e., the inlet tube 16 and the outlet tube 18. Blood pumps have been developed as a component of the ventricular assist device (VAD) and have been miniaturized to treat both adult and pediatric patients with mild heart failure. These blood pumps can be implanted into the patient or can be kept external to the patient and are usually connected to a power source and a controller. Turning now to Fig. 6, a schematic view of a pump-tube assembly 12 is illustrated. The pump 14 may be a rotary pump, for example an axial mixed flow, or a centrifugal pump. Without specifically limiting, the bearings for the pump 14 may be constructed using a hydrodynamic force with a magnetic field, or may be constructed using mechanical contact bearings, such as double-pin bearings . Pumps used in pediatric VAD systems or other low-flow VAD systems may be used. Alternatively, the pump 14 may be an extracardiac pump as described and illustrated in U.S. Patent Nos. 6,015,272 and 6,244,835, both of which are incorporated herein by reference. These pumps are suitable for use in the system 10 and the method 100 of the present invention. The pump 14 has an inlet 38 for receiving deoxygenated venous blood flowing through the inlet pipe 16 and a drain 40 for discharging the blood 34 flow from the pump 14. For pumps used in pediatric VAD systems or other low-flow VAD systems suitable for use as the pump 14 of the present invention, the sizes of these pumps are approximately AA size batteries or US 50 cent or 25 cent coin Diameter, and the weight of the pump may be about 25-35 g or less. These pumps are designed, for example, with a pump having a performance of about 0.3 to 1.5 L / min or 1 to 2.5 L / min. The pumps may be modified to reduce the range to a maximum of 0.05 L / min for use in small diameter vessels. The priming volume may be, for example, about 0.5-0.6 ml. The blood-contacting surface of the pump 14 comprises Ti ₆ Al ₄ V and a commercial pure titanium alloy and may include other materials, such as injection molded ceramics and polymers, and alternative titanium alloys, For example, T1 ₆ Al ₇ Nb. The blood-contacting surface preferably has one or more coatings and a surface treatment. In this way, any pumping device can be used as long as the pumping device can be connected to the vascular system, and a sufficient amount of blood can be pumped to achieve the desired WSS in the receiving peripheral vein.

The pump 14 includes various components 42 and a motor 44 as shown in FIG. The various components 42 and the motor 44 may be common to the VAAD. For example, component 42 may include one or more shafts, impeller blades, bearings, stator vanes, rotors, or stator . The rotor can be magnetically levitated. The motor 44 may include a stator, a rotor, a coil, and a magnet. The motor 44 may be any suitable electric motor, such as a multi-phase motor controlled through a pulse width modulation current.

System 10 and method 100 are described in the publication: the PediaFlow Pediatric Ventricular Assist Device, P. Wearden, et al., Pediatric Cardiac Surgery Annual, pp. 92-98, 2006; J. Wu et al., Designing with Heart, ANSYS Advantage, Vol. 1, Iss. 2, pp. sl2-sl3, 2007; and J. Baldwin, et al., The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Pediatric Circulatory Support Program, Circulation, Vol. 113, pp. 147-155, 2006. < / RTI > Other examples of pumps that can be used as pump 14 are: the Novacor, PediaFlow, Levacor, or MiVAD from World Heart, Inc .; the Debakey Heart Assist 1-5 from Micromed, Inc .; HeartMate XVE, HeartMate II, HeartMate III, IV AD, or PVAD from Thoratec, Inc .; the Impella, BVS5000, AB5000, or Symphony from Abiomed, Inc .; the TandemHeart from CardiacAssist, Inc .; the VentrAssist from Ventracor, Inc .; The Incor or Excite from Berlin Heart, GmbH; the Duraheart from Terumo, Inc.; the HVAD or MVAD from Heart Ware, Inc .; the Jarvik 2000 Flowmaker or Pediatric Jarvik 2000 Flowmaker from Jarvik Heart, Inc .; the Gyro C1E3 from Kyocera, Inc .; the CorAide or PediPump from the Cleveland Clinic Foundation; the MEDOS HIA VAD from MEDOS Medizintechnik AG; the pCAS from Ension, Inc; the Synergy from Circulite, Inc; the CentriMag, PediMag, and UltraMag from Levitronix, LLC; and the BP-50 and BP-80 from Medtronic, Inc. These pumps can be controlled and monitored manually using software programs, applications, or other automated systems. The software program can automatically adjust the pump rate to maintain the desired amount of blood flow and WSS within the distal peripheral vein. Alternatively, the vessel diameter and the blood flow can be manually checked periodically and the pump can adjust the head-flow characteristics of the pump, for example, and add compliance to the pump outflow , And / or by modulating the pump speed. It can also be adjusted in other ways.

The synthetic tubes 16 and 18 are composed of PTFE and / or Dacron, preferably synthetic tubing 16 and 18, reinforced to be less kinking and obstructed . It is contemplated that all of the synthetic tubes 16 and 18 or portions of the synthetic tubes 16 and 18 may be made of materials commonly used to make a hemodialysis catheter such as polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, polyurethane, and / Silicon. The synthetic tubes 16 and 18 may be constructed of any material or any combination of materials as long as the tubes 16 and 18 have the required properties, e.g., flexibility, sterility, When necessary, it can be inserted into the lumen of the blood vessel or connected to the blood vessel through anastomosis. It is also preferred that the synthetic tubes 16 and 18 have luminal surfaces with resistance to thrombosis and that they exhibit properties that need to be tunneled (if necessary). As another example, the composite tubes 16 and 18 may have an exterior layer comprised of a material different from the luminal layer. In addition, the synthetic tubes 16 and 18 may be coated with silicone to assist in preventing latex allergy and removal from the body. In certain embodiments, the blood vessels 29 or 30 or between the composite tubing 16 or 18 may be connected using conventional anastomosis using a suture in a manner lying therebetween or separated, It will be described as "anastomotic connection". The anastomotic connection may be implemented using surgical clips and may be implemented in other standard ways for anastomosis.

1-3, the synthesis inflow conduit 16 includes a first end 46 configured to fluidly connect to the right atrium 31 or the donor vein 29 of the heart and an inflow section 38 of the pump 14, And a second end 48 connected to the second end 48. The donor vein 29 is made up of an antecubital vein, a basilic vein, a brachial vein, an axillary vein, a subclavian vein, a jugular vein, There are two types of veins: brachiocephalic vein, superior vena cava, lesser saphenous vein, greater saphenous vein, femoral vein, iliac vein, the other iliac vein, the common iliac vein, the external iliac vein, the superior vein cava, the inferior vena cava, and others that can provide sufficient blood flow to the pump to continually dilate the recipient peripheral vein Other blood vessels may be included. The composite outlet tube 18 has a first end 52 configured to fluidly connect to the receiving peripheral vein 30 and a second end 54 connected to the outlet 40 of the pump 14. The pump-tube assembly 12 is configured to deliver the blood to the donor vein 29 so as to increase the blood flow velocity in the peripheral vein and the WSS to a desired level for a sufficient period of time to continuously increase the lumenal diameter and overall diameter of the peripheral vein. To the receiving peripheral vein (30). In certain embodiments, a portion of the synthetic tubing 16, 18 may be extracorporeal to the patient 20. 1 and 3, the first end 46 of the inlet tube 16 and the first end 52 of the outlet tube 18 are configured for an anastomotic connection. 1b and 1c, the first end 46 is fluidly connected to an internal jugular vein (used as a donor vein 29) through an anastomotic connection, One end 52 is fluidly connected to the anvil vein via an anastomotic connection (used as a receiving peripheral vein 30).

2A-2C, the first end 46 of the synthesis inlet tube 16 is configured as a catheter. Between the venous system and the synthesis inflow conduit 16 is fluidly connected by placing the tip of the catheter section 50 of the synthesis inflow conduit into the superior vein 27 and is now referred to as a "catheter connection" . The catheter portion 50 of the composite infusion conduit 46 is configured such that the lumen diameter is sufficient to accommodate the catheter portion 50 when the catheter is connected to the donor vein 29 (in this case, It can be drawn into the venous system at any location. The end of the catheter portion 50 may be arranged in any position that allows a sufficient amount of blood to enter the catheter to provide a desired amount of blood flow 34 to the receiving peripheral vein 30. The preferred position for the end of the catheter portion 50 includes, but is not limited to, the pea vein, the superior vein 27, and the right atrium 31. In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 2b-2c, the system 10 introduces deoxygenated blood from the superior vein 27 of the patient 20 and directs the deoxygenated blood to the contralateral vein 30 of the arm 24 ).

In another embodiment shown in Figure 3, the system 10 includes deoxygenating venous blood from a donor vein 29 (in this case, a more central portion of the abdominal fovea) (In this case, the more peripheral portion of the appendage fascia) to allow the blood flow velocity and WSS in the receiving peripheral vein to be maintained for a sufficient period of time to continuously increase in the total diameter and luminal diameter of the receiving recess fin 30 Increase to the desired level. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the inflow conduit 16 is fluidly connected to the abdominal fingernail 29 of the patient 20 via an anastomotic connection. In some embodiments, the blood is pumped into the receiving peripheral vein with reduced pulsation compared to the pulsation of blood within the peripheral artery. For example, the mean pulse pressure in the peripheral venous connection connected to the drainage line during pump operation is <40 mmHg, <30 mmHg, <20 mmHg, <10 mmHg, or preferably <5 mmHg. Blood is pumped into the distal vein and the blood flow velocity and WSS continue for a sufficient period of time so that the luminal diameter and total diameter of the receiving abdominal fascicule portion 30 are continuously increased and thus the procedure for creating a heart or peripheral bypass graft , Or autotransplantation and extraction as part of another surgical procedure that requires autologous transplantation of a portion of the patient &apos; s blood vessels.

4A, in another embodiment, an extracorporeal pump 114 is attached to two specific catheters, an inflow catheter 55 and a discharge catheter 56, to form a catheter-pump assembly 13 . The pump 114 introduces the deoxygenated blood from the donor vein 29 into the lumen of the inflow catheter 55 and then discharges the blood from the withdrawal catheter 56 into the lumen of the receiving peripheral vein 30, Thereby increasing the blood flow velocity and WSS in the blood vessel 30.

Figures 4A and 4B illustrate another embodiment of the system 10. The pump-catheter assembly 13 is configured to increase blood flow velocity and WSS within the vessel compartment d. The inflow catheter 55 and the discharge catheter 56 may be selectively engaged in all or a portion of a portion (e.g., a portion having a double lumen catheter) So that the need for invasive surgical procedures is eliminated. For this embodiment, a portion of the catheter may be tunneled subcutaneously before it is removed from the skin to reduce the risk of infection. The extracorporeal pump 114 and the extracorporeal portions of the catheters 119 and 120 are fixed to the body and are connected to a power supply to continuously increase the lumen diameter and overall diameter of the vessel compartment d of the receiving peripheral vein 30 To increase the rate of blood 34 and WSS within the vessel compartment d of the receiving peripheral vein 30 for a sufficient period of time. The pump-catheter assembly 12 is removed and simultaneously, or in continuous operation, the distal end of the expanded vein 30 of the receiving distal vein 30, Surgery may be performed using more than a portion of segment (d) to create a bypass graft or hemodialysis access site.

5A and 5B, a system 10 for increasing the overall diameter of a blood vessel as used for a patient 20 is illustrated. The system 10 removes the oxygenated arterial blood from the patient's peripheral artery 221 and redirects the blood to the receiving peripheral vein 30 and for example the leg 26 or arm 24, Is configured and configured to increase blood flow velocity and WSS within the receiving peripheral vein 30 for a period of time sufficient to continuously increase the diameter of the receiving peripheral vein 30 within. One embodiment of the system 10 in which the pump 214 is implanted within the arm 24 is illustrated. The pump 214 has an inlet 216 connected to an artery 221 in the arm 24 via an anastomotic connection. The pump 214 also has a discharge portion 218 connected to the distal vein 30 via an anastomotic connection. The pump 214 is powered and regulated by a control unit 58. In operation, the pump 214 pumps blood from the artery 221 and pumps the blood into the peripheral vein 30. With this embodiment, when the surgical performance is improved and the need to extend the tube is eliminated and the blood flow velocity and WSS of both the peripheral artery 221 and the distal vein 30 are increased, and thus operated for a sufficient time period, The peripheral vein 30 and the distal artery 221 can be instantly expanded (simultaneous dilation). Specifically, the pump 214 is implanted in the forearm of the patient 20. Once the diameter is expanded by the desired size in the receiving peripheral vein 30 the pump 214 is removed and at least part of the peripheral vein 30 or the extended peripheral artery 221 is removed Surgery may be used to create a bypass graft or hemodialysis access site.

In various embodiments, the oxygenated arterial blood may be introduced from a donating artery. The donor artery can be divided into two groups: radial artery, ulnar artery, interosseous artery, brachial artery, anterior tibial artery, posterior tibial artery, But are not limited to, the peroneal artery, the popliteal artery, the proud artery, the superficial femoral artery, or the femoral artery.

Turning to Fig. 6, one embodiment of system 10 is illustrated. A control unit 58 is connected to the pump 14 and is configured to collect information and adjust the speed of the pump 14 according to the function of the pump 14. The control unit 58 may be implanted within the patient 20 and may remain external to the patient 20 or may have implanted outer portions. A power supply is provided in the power unit 60 and is connected to the pump 14 and the control unit 58. The power unit 60 supplies energy to the control unit 58 and the pump 14 for routine operation. The power unit 60 may be implanted within the patient 20 and may remain external to the patient 20 or may have implanted outer portions. The power unit 60 may include a battery 61. The battery 61 is preferably rechargeable and is recharged via the connector 69 connected to the AC supply. Such a rechargeable battery can be recharged using a lead wire or a transcutaneous energy transmission. Optionally, the connector 69 can deliver power to the power unit 60 without the aid of a battery 61. [ From this it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the control unit 58 can be configured to use an alternative power-control system.

The sensors 66 and 67 may be incorporated into the synthesis tubes 17 and 18, the pump 14, or the control unit 58. The sensors 66 and 67 communicate with the control unit 58 via cable 68 or wirelessly with the control unit 58. Sensors 66 and 67 can monitor blood flow, blood flow velocity, intraluminal pressure, and resistance to blood flow and can send a signal to control unit 58 to change pump speed. For example, as the peripheral vein 30 containing the pumped blood expands, the blood flow velocity in the blood vessel decreases and the resistance to the blood flow 34 from the discharge tube 18 also decreases. In order to maintain the desired blood flow velocity and WSS, the pump velocity should be adjusted as the peripheral vein 30 expands over time. The sensors 66 and 67 can sense the resistance to blood flow or blood flow in the peripheral vein 30 and then send a signal to the control unit 58 whereby the speed of the pump 14 is increased accordingly. Thus, preferably, the present invention includes a control unit 58 and a sensor (not shown) for adjusting the pump speed to maintain the desired blood flow velocity and WSS within the receiving peripheral vein 30 as the peripheral vein 30 expands over time 66, and 67, respectively. Alternatively, the control unit may be configured to measure the blood flow, the blood flow velocity, the resistance to the rape pressure, or the resistance to blood flow, depending on the measurement including the internal measurement of the current supplied to the motor 44 And therefore sensors 66 and 67 may not be needed. In addition, the control unit 58 may include manual controls to adjust pump speed or other pumping parameters.

The control unit 58 is operatively connected to the pump-tube assembly 12. Specifically, the control unit 58 is operatively connected to the pump 14 by one or more cables 62. Using the power unit 60, the control unit 58 preferably supplies a pump motor control current, such as a pulse width modulation motor control current, to the pump 14 via cable 62. In addition, the control unit 58 may receive feedback or other signals from the pump 14. The control unit 58 further includes a communication unit 64 that is used to collect data and transmit data, for example, via telemetric transmission. In addition, the communication unit 64 is configured to receive data or instructions for reprogramming the control unit 58. Accordingly, the communication unit 64 is configured to receive data or instructions for adjusting the pump 14. [

Preferably, the present invention includes a control unit 58 and sensors 66 and 68 for regulating the operation of the pump to maintain the desired blood flow velocity and WSS within the receiving peripheral vein 30 as the peripheral vein 30 expands over time. 67). &Lt; / RTI &gt;

The pump 14 provides a blood flow 34 in the range of, for example, between about 50-1500 mL / min and a WSS in the receiving peripheral vein in the range of 0.76 Pa to 23 Pa, preferably 2.5 Pa to 7.5 Pa . The pump 14 is configured to maintain a desired level of blood flow in the receiving peripheral vein 30 and the WSS for a period of, for example, about 7-84 days, preferably about 14-42 days. The pump 14 is configured to maintain a desired level of blood flow in the receiving peripheral vein 30 and the WSS for a period of time greater than 42 days, in which the vasodilatation requires a significantly larger size or the blood vessel is slowly expanded.

The pump-tube assembly 12 may be implanted on the right side of the patient 20, or on the left side if necessary. The lengths of the composite tubes 16 and 18 can be adjusted for the desired alignment condition. 1B and 1C, the first end 46 of the inlet tube 16 is fluidly connected to the position 29 in the right internal jugular vein 29 and is connected to the first end 52 of the outlet tube 18 Is fluidly connected to the levator vein 30 in the right forearm. 2B and 2C the first end 46 of the inlet tube 16 is fluidly connected to the position 29 in the mating vein 27 and is connected to the first end 52 of the outlet tube 18, Is fluidly connected to the anterior phallus vein 30 in the right forearm 24. After connection, pumping begins. This means that the control unit 58 has started to operate the motor 44. The pump 14 pumps the blood flow 34 through the outlet tube 18 into the distal vein 30. The control unit 58 adjusts the pumping over time using the data provided by the sensors 66 and 67. 1-4 illustrate examples in which the system 10 pumps deoxygenated blood. Figure 5 shows an example of system 10 pumping oxygenated blood. In some embodiments, the blood is pumped into the recipient blood vessel with reduced pulsation compared to the pulsation of blood in the peripheral artery. For example, mean pulmonary pressure in the recipient vessel is <40 mmHg, <20 mmHg, <10 mmHg, or preferably <5 mmHg, when the blood is delivered in the peripheral vein and the pump is operating.

In other embodiments, the blood is either increased in comparison to the pulsation of the blood in the peripheral artery, or is pumped into the recipient blood vessel by pulsation equal to the pulsation of blood in the peripheral artery. For these embodiments, the mean pulse pressure in the receiving vessel adjacent to the discharge tube is? 40 mmHg during pumping operation.

In one particular embodiment illustrated in Figures 1B and 1C, donor vein 29 is jugular vein 21, preferably inner jugular vein 21. The internal jugular vein 21 is particularly useful as the donor vein 29 because there is no valve between the right atrium 31 and the internal jugular vein 21 and the synthetic infusion tube 16 is capable of introducing a significant amount of deoxygenated blood per unit time . The inlet tube 18 is fluidly connected to the internal jugular vein 21 of the patient 20. The inlet tube 18 is fluidly connected to the internal jugular vein 21 of the patient 20. Deoxygenated blood is drawn from the jugular vein 21 and is pumped into the receiving peripheral vein 30 in the leg 26 or arm 24 so that the blood flow velocity and WSS of the blood flow 34 in the receiving peripheral vein are increased . In some embodiments, the blood is pumped into the recipient blood vessel with reduced pulsation compared to the pulsation of blood in the peripheral artery. For example, the mean pulse pressure in the peripheral venous connection connected to the drainage line during pump operation is <40 mmHg, <30 mmHg, <20 mmHg, <10 mmHg, or preferably <5 mmHg.

As already mentioned above, Figure 5b shows an example of the system 10 introducing oxygenated blood. Infusion tube 216 is fluidly connected to labor vessel 221 of patient 20 and outlet tube 218 is fluidly connected to the levator vein, both using an anastomotic connection. Thus, the oxygenated blood is drawn from the vena cava 221 and pumped into the anterior phalanx 30 in the arm 24, resulting in increased blood flow velocity and WSS in the ipsilateral vein for a sufficient period of time, Diameter and total diameter are continuously increased. In some embodiments, the blood is pumped into the recipient blood vessel with reduced pulsation compared to the pulsation of blood in the peripheral artery. For example, mean pulsatile pressure in the adjacent peripheral venous connection in conjunction with the drainage conduit is sufficient to deliver blood in the receiving peripheral vein and be <40 mmHg, <30 mmHg, <20 mmHg, <10 mmHg, or preferably <5 mmHg.

7-9, various embodiments of the method 100 increase the lumenal diameter and the overall diameter of the distal vein 30. As shown in FIG. 7, the surgeon or surgeon performs surgery to access the blood vessel or artery and connects the pump to the vessel that receives deoxygenated blood at step 101 for fluid communication. In step 102, the pump is connected to the distal vein. In this embodiment, the pump-tube assembly 12 is preferably implanted into the neck, chest and arms 24 of the patient 20. In another embodiment in which the distal vein 30 is the saplin vein 36, the pump-tube assembly 12 is implanted in the leg 26. In one example, the physician fluidly connects the first end 46 of the pump-tube assembly 12 to the donor vein 29 and the second end of the pump-tube assembly 12 to the receiving distal vein 30, , And connect (subcutaneously) the two locations using a tunneling procedure (if necessary). In step 103, the deoxygenated blood is pumped into the receiving peripheral vein. At step 104, the pumping continues for a period of time, and the physician waits for the accommodating peripheral vein to expand. In one embodiment, after the pump is turned on to start pumping deoxygenated blood, the skin incision is closed, if necessary.

In yet another embodiment, portions of the pump 14 and / or the synthesis tubes 16 and 18 are extracorporeally located. In this embodiment, the pump 14 is then deactivated into the receiving peripheral vein 30 via the pump-tube assembly 12 to begin to operate and increase the blood flow velocity and WSS in the peripheral vein 30 And is regulated through the control unit 58 to pump the blood. The pumping process is periodically monitored and the control unit 58 is used to adjust the pump 14 in response to changes in the receiving peripheral vein 30. By periodically adjusting, if necessary, the pump continues to operate for a sufficient period of time, resulting in continued expansion of the lumen diameter and overall diameter of the peripheral vein 30. During the subsequent process, the pump-tube assembly 12 is disconnected and removed in step 105. In step 106, the continuously expanded peripheral vein 30 is used to create an AVF, AVG, or bypass graft.

8, a physician or surgeon inserts one or more catheter portions 50 of the pump-catheter assembly into the venous system, in step 107, (50) is placed in the donor vein and the peripheral vein (30). At step 108, the pump is operated to pump the deoxygenated blood into the distal vein. Thereafter, the surgeon waits at step 109 for expansion of the peripheral vein. In steps 110 and 111, the pump-catheter assembly is removed and the continuously expanded blood vessels are used to create an AVF, AVG, or bypass graft.

FIG. 9 illustrates another embodiment of method 100. In step 112, the physician or surgeon performs surgery to access the blood vessel and connects the pump to the peripheral vein for fluid communication. In step 113, the pump is connected to the peripheral artery. In step 114, the pump is operated to pump the oxygenated blood from the peripheral artery to the distal vein. At step 115, the pumping process continues for a period of time and the surgeon waits for the peripheral vein to expand. At step 116, the pump is removed, and at step 117 the continuously expanded blood vessels are used to create an AVF, AVG, or bypass graft.

In various embodiments, method 100 and / or system 10 may be used for periodic and / or intermittent periods, rather than for continuous treatment. Typically, hemodialysis treatment, which can last from 3 to 5 hours, is provided at the dialysis facility up to three times a week. Accordingly, various embodiments of the system 10 and the method 100 may be used to provide blood pumping treatment according to a similar schedule over a 4 to 6 week period. Such treatment may be performed at any suitable location including an outpatient setting.

In one embodiment, blood pumping therapy is performed intermittently in conjunction with hemodialysis treatment. In this embodiment, it functions as a low-flow pump, a standard in-dwelling hemodialysis catheter that functions as an inflow catheter, and an outflow catheter. A minimally traumatic needle or catheter placed in the distal vein may be used. A number of continuous flow blood pumps (e.g., catheter-based VAD and pediatric cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) pumps) operating from bedside consoles Can be easily adapted for use with the method 100.

In various embodiments where blood is pumped through a periodic pumping period, it may be accessed through one or more ports or surgically created access sites. As a specific example, a needle, a peripherally inserted central catheter, a tunneled catheter, a non-tunneled catheter, and / or a subcutaneous implantable port may be used. But are not limited to these.

In another embodiment of system 10, a low-flow pump is used to increase blood flow velocity and WSS in the vessel. The low-flow pump has an inlet tube fluidly connected to the inlet and an outlet tube fluidly connected to the vascular pump to pump blood from the vessel into the vein for a period of time between about 7 days and 84 days. The low-flow pump pumps the blood so that the wall shear stress of the vessel is between about 0.076 Pa and about 23 Pa. The low-flow pump also includes a regulator. The regulating device may be in communication with the software-based automated regulating system or the regulating device may have a manual control device. The inlet and outlet pipes may have a length ranging from about 10 cm to about 107 cm.

The present invention also relates to the assembly and operation of a blood pump system comprising various embodiments of a pump-tube system 10. The method involves coupling a first tube in fluid communication with the pump-tube system 10 to an artery and coupling a second tube in fluid communication with the pump-tube system to the vein . The pump-tube system 10 is then operated to pump blood between the arteries and veins.

In understanding the scope of the present invention, as used herein, the term " comprising "and its derivatives are intended to describe the features, elements, components, groups, integers, and / And does not exclude the presence of other unspecified features, elements, components, groups, integers, and / or steps. It is also to be understood that such description applies to terms having similar meanings, for example, the terms "including", "having", and derived forms of these terms. As used herein, terms with degrees, such as "substantially "," about "and" substantially "mean that a deviation of a modified term has an acceptable amount such that the result is not significantly changed do. For example, such terms may be understood to include deviations of ± 5% or more of the modified term, provided that the meaning of the term is not reversed.

While only certain embodiments have been chosen to illustrate the present invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and improvements can be made thereto without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined in the following claims. For example, the size, shape, location, or orientation of the various components may be changed as needed and / or desired. The components shown in contact with each other or in direct contact with each other may have intermediate structures arranged between the components. The function of one element can be performed by two components, and vice versa. The functionality and configuration of one embodiment may be applied in another embodiment. In certain embodiments, not all of the advantages need be present at the same time. Each feature unique to the prior art, either alone or in combination with other features, describes another independent invention by the applicant, including configuration and / or functional concepts embodied by such features Should be considered. Accordingly, the foregoing description of the embodiments of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention, as defined by the appended claims and equivalents of the claims.

Claims (132)

A system for increasing lumen diameter and total diameter within a distal vein,
The system comprises:
A pump configured to pump blood;
One or more conduits fluidly coupled to the pump and configured to transfer blood from the donating vessel to the peripheral vein; And
- a control unit in communication with the pump and configured to pump the blood so that the wall shear stress of the distal vein is greater than 0.76 Pa over a period of 7 days, A system for increasing diameter and overall diameter. The method according to claim 1,
The pump is:
- an inlet in fluid communication with the first of the at least one tube, the first tube extending away from the inlet;
- an outlet in fluid communication with the second of the at least one tube, the second tube extending away from the outlet, the first tube being configured to be in fluid communication with the donor vessel Wherein the second tube is configured to be in fluid communication with the peripheral vein. &Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 &gt; 11. &lt; / RTI &gt; 3. The method of claim 2,
Wherein at least a portion of the first tube is configured to be disposed within the lumen of the donor vessel. &Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 &gt; 11. &lt; / RTI &gt; 3. The method of claim 2,
Wherein at least a portion of the first tube comprises at least one material selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, polyurethane, and silicone. 3. The method of claim 2,
Wherein at least a portion of the second vessel is configured to be surgically anastomosed to the distal vein. &Lt; Desc / Clms Page number 20 &gt; 6. The method of claim 5,
Wherein the distal portion of the second tube comprises PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene). &Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 &gt; 11. &lt; / RTI &gt; 6. The method of claim 5,
Wherein at least a portion of the second tube comprises at least one material selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, polyurethane, and silicone. 3. The method of claim 2,
Wherein at least one of the first tube and the second tube has a length between 10 cm and 107 cm. 3. The method according to claim 1 or 2,
a) The donor blood vessels are composed of internal jugular vein, axillary vein, subclavian vein, brachiocephalic vein, superior vena cava, femoral vein, Iliac vein, inferior vena cava, or right atrium; or
b) Peripheral veins consist of cephalic vein, radial vein, median vein, ulnar vein, antecubital vein, median cephalic vein, The median basilic vein, the basilic vein, the brachial vein, the lesser saphenous vein, the greater saphenous vein, or the femoral vein. &Lt; / RTI &gt; wherein the diameter of the lumen is greater than the diameter of the lumen. 3. The method according to claim 1 or 2,
Wherein the peripheral vein is a vein in an arm or a leg. 3. The method according to claim 1 or 2,
Wherein the system is further configured to maintain a wall shear stress in the peripheral vein between 0.76 Pa and 23 Pa. &Lt; Desc / Clms Page number 13 &gt; 3. The method according to claim 1 or 2,
Wherein the system is further configured to maintain a wall shear stress in the peripheral vein between 2.5 Pa and 7.5 Pa. &Lt; Desc / Clms Page number 13 &gt; 3. The method of claim 2,
The system has an average pulse pressure within the second tube of less than 40 mmHg; Less than 30 mmHg; Less than 20 mmHg; Less than 10 mm Hg; Or less than 5 mmHg. &Lt; Desc / Clms Page number 20 &gt; 3. The method of claim 2,
Wherein the control unit comprises one or more sensors for measuring the rape pressure in at least one of the first tube, the inlet, the outlet or the second tube. &Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 &gt; . 3. The method of claim 2,
Wherein the control unit comprises one or more sensors for measuring blood flow in one or more of the first tube, the inlet, the outlet, or the second tube. 15. The method of claim 14,
The control unit further comprises:
- configured to receive data from one or more sensors in the communication unit;
- adjust the pump speed of the pump in accordance with the received data to adjust the blood flow rate of one or more of the blood flow in the first, second, or peripheral veins. A system for increasing the diameter. 15. The method of claim 14,
The control unit further comprises:
- configured to receive data from one or more sensors in the communication unit;
And to adjust the pump speed of the pump in accordance with the received data to adjust the wall shear stress in the peripheral vein. 3. The method according to claim 1 or 2,
The control unit further comprises:
- to adjust the pump to pump blood from the donor vessel to the peripheral vein during one or more periods of time between 7 days and 84 days or between 7 days and 42 days;
And the pump is configured to pump the blood so that the wall shear stress of the distal vein is between 0.76 Pa and 23 Pa, or between 2.5 Pa and 7.5 Pa. &Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 &gt; A system for increasing the overall diameter. 3. The method according to claim 1 or 2,
Wherein the system further comprises a power supply coupled to the at least one of the control unit or the pump. 20. The method of claim 19,
Wherein the power supply comprises a battery. &Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 &gt; 11. &lt; / RTI &gt; 3. The method according to claim 1 or 2,
Wherein the control unit is further configured to supply power to the pump. &Lt; Desc / Clms Page number 15 &gt; A system for increasing the lumenal diameter and overall diameter in a peripheral vein. 3. The method according to claim 1 or 2,
The system further comprises a regulating device in communication with the control device and configured to regulate the operating parameters of the pump, such as is provided to the pump by the control device, wherein the regulating device comprises a manual control system and a software- &Lt; / RTI &gt; The system for increasing the lumenal diameter and total diameter in a peripheral vein. 3. The method according to claim 1 or 2,
Wherein the pump is a rotary blood pump. &Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 &gt; 11. &lt; / RTI &gt; 24. The method of claim 23,
Wherein the rotary blood pump comprises a contact bearing system. &Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 &gt; 11. &lt; / RTI &gt; 3. The method according to claim 1 or 2,
Wherein the controller activates the pump to continuously increase the overall diameter of the vein. &Lt; Desc / Clms Page number 17 &gt; 3. The method of claim 2,
Wherein at least one of the first tube and the second tube has a length of between 10 cm and 107 cm; b) a length between 35 cm and 50 cm; Or c) a length between 60 cm and 65 cm. &Lt; Desc / Clms Page number 16 &gt; 3. The method according to claim 1 or 2,
Said system comprising: a) a first tube; b) an inlet; c) a pump; d) outlet; Or e) through the at least one of the second tubes. &Lt; Desc / Clms Page number 12 &gt; 16. The method of claim 15,
The control unit further comprises:
- configured to receive data from one or more sensors in the communication unit;
- adjust the pump speed of the pump in accordance with the received data to adjust the blood flow rate of one or more of the blood flow in the first, second, or peripheral veins. A system for increasing the diameter. 16. The method of claim 15,
The control unit further comprises:
- configured to receive data from one or more sensors in the communication unit;
And to adjust the pump speed of the pump in accordance with the received data to adjust the wall shear stress in the peripheral vein. delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete

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